This year is pivotal for Bandai Namco as it breathes new life into the long-anticipated anime MMORPG, Blue Protocol, now set for release beyond Japan on PC and mobile platforms across Europe, North America, and Latin America.
Last August, the announcement of the shutdown of the Japanese servers led many to believe the project was doomed, with its Western launch effectively canceled. However, just months later, Tencent-backed developer Bokura took the helm, retaining parts of the original team and rebranding the game to Blue Protocol: Star Resonance.
As a free-to-play title, Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is officially gearing up for its inaugural international launch, available on PC through outlets like Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as on mobile via iOS and Google Play.
One of the key features players can anticipate is a seamless cross-platform experience, ensuring that gamers on PC and mobile can enjoy synchronized progress together.
Initially debuting in Japan in June 2023, Blue Protocol had plans for its Western release to be driven by Amazon Games, integrating it alongside other heavyweights like Lost Ark and New World.
However, the title’s reception in Japan was underwhelming. This prompted the unfortunate decision to shut down the servers, along with expressed regret from developers who admitted the challenges of delivering a fulfilling experience for their audience.
The fallout from this closure highlighted broader struggles within Bandai Namco, including significant staff losses, with reports indicating that over a hundred employees departed the company last year, a trend often associated with the cancellation of Blue Protocol.
Fortunately, the game is ready for a remarkable resurgence. Anticipated features include an engaging combat system, a rich anime-inspired world, extensive character customization, and various social mechanics such as trading, guild formations, and community activities.
Having had the chance to experience Blue Protocol in 2023, I found it enjoyable, yet I couldn’t help but question how it would stand out in an already saturated market. With its imminent Western launch, we are on the brink of discovering how Blue Protocol: Star Resonance positions itself among competitors.
